Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety - February 14, 2023

The following watershed conditions statement is based on the seven-day weather forecast issued by Environment Canada on Tuesday February 14th . 

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY

Kawartha Conservation Watershed 

DATE: Wednesday February 14, 2023

TIME: 2:00 pm

Message sent based on information received from:

• Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting Network
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre 
• Environment Canada
• Trent-Severn Waterway 

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – In effect February 14th - February 19th.

The following watershed conditions statement is based on the seven-day weather forecast issued by Environment Canada on Tuesday February 14th . 

A period of warm weather is expected for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with freezing temperatures returning on Friday and climbing above zero on the weekend. Five to ten millimeters of rain are also forecasted for Wednesday and Thursday.

Widespread flooding is not anticipated, however water levels and flows in watercourses across the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction remain higher than normal for this time of year as a result of last weeks rainfall and snow melt.  

The variable temperatures will cause increased runoff from precipitation and snow melt, therefore, watercourses can be dangerous, and Kawartha Conservation is warning residents to stay a safe distance from all streams and rivers, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams, and that ice conditions, particularly in areas of moving water, may be unsafe due to the warming temperatures. Riverbanks can be slippery, especially during rain events with snow and ice already on the ground, children should be warned of the dangerous conditions, and supervised while outside.

Northern tributaries, such as the Burnt and Gull River are monitored by staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). Residents along these two rivers are requested to direct any questions concerning water levels to the MNRF Minden Area office at 705-286-5207 or refer to the messages issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) at https://www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program .

Additional information from the TSW is available at the Water Management InfoNet web page https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/info/infonet.

This Watershed Condition Statement – Water Safety will be in effect through Sunday February 19, 2023.  

Kawartha Conservation will continue monitoring local watercourses and notify the public and municipalities within its watershed jurisdiction of any changes. We are in close communication with partner agencies such as the Trent Severn Waterway, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and neighbouring Conservation Authorities during all flood situations.

If you are aware of or have concerns about flooding, please contact Kawartha Conservation at 705.328.2271 or 705.344.0155 after hours.

Rob Stavinga
Watershed Resources Technician       

Nancy Aspden
Acting Manager Integrated Watershed Management

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is a general notice that existing or potential conditions pose a risk to personal safety. Watershed Conditions Statements - Water Safety may be issued when streams are flowing at or near bank full levels, when ice conditions are unsafe, or when streambanks are icy, soft and/or slippery.